21 November 2009

I disagree with the letter, ‘Don’t Misuse Open Space,’ (Letters to the Editor, November 19).

For all the concerns one has about the issues in the UAE, I can say that KT is giving enough importance to it in the front pages. In fact, the paper gives precise value to local news first. KT has been in the business for decades and it knows best. Its readers range from different age groups to different nationalities, both here and abroad.

The UAE is primarily an expatriate nation that comprises people belonging to various nationalities, religions and races. And it is this well-travelled and educated expatriate English speaking community which constitutes the main readership of English language papers here.

Most of the expatriates are here on transit. They do respect this land, but they can’t apprehend much of the politics, geography or the history of this region. As a newspaper for the English-speaking expatriate, KT publishes news from different nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UK and USA. And, people react to what is published and to the news that create waves in their respectives countries and others.
So, what is wrong in talking about Vande Mataram? As the largest contributing expatriate society, Indians and their nation needs to have its share of space in Open Space, too.

The page is aptly named ‘Open Space’ and I am sure it welcomes articles and letters irrespective of race, religion and colour.

21 November 2009

The Dubai Airshow 2009 was simply marvellous. It reflected that Dubai is still flying high.

The dashing, colourful designs blooming in the sky were unique and a pleasure to the eyes. The wonders in aircraft technology showcased were memorable. A show like this in the midst of the global financial crisis shows that Dubai is free from its grip.

20 November 2009

With reference to the letter, ‘Replace the Carrot with the Stick” (Open Space, KT November 17), I strongly differ with the writer’s opinion that only harsh punishments will deter culprits from repeating the crimes, traffic or otherwise.

Any government has to provide basic public amenities such as roads, transport, education and communication which are positive in action. And the UAE government does provide them, that too, very appreciably. However, governments have to take preventive measures to minimise crime by providing services such as the ones they already provide in other areas, like vaccination, police patrols and security checks.

When it comes to car parking woes, the government has a moral responsibility to restrict the registration of new cars without first providing enough parking facilities in and around the city. Perhaps, the sponsor’s and/or landlord’s letter confirming availability of parking space can be made a pre-requisite among such other measures for the registration of new or old cars. This will help control the present commotion and chaos.

20 November 2009

For all the psuedo politicians making tall claims, analysts, the ‘black coats’ and lapdog media in Pakistan who fell over each other in villifying Musharraf and hounding him out of office eventually, the Opinion article, ‘Israel, Pakistan and US’ (KT November 17 ) should be a sobering read.

Nations who fail to recognise their true leaders are condemned to suffer for their ingratitude.

20 November 2009

The letter, ‘Tough Love’ (Letters to the Editor, KT, November 17) is quite relevant in modern living, where family relationship has a different perception.

I totally agree with the concerns raised in the letter and these are easily evident among working parents as their personal attention towards children is very much limited due to busy commitments.

Ever since the joint family culture faded away, this scenario has become very common among nuclear families.

I, myself, have experienced it personally. My attention to personal matters has reduced due to official commitments, thereby giving less priority to matters at home.

Parents should make an effort to see that more attention is given to children to benefit them.